Method and system for welding with paralleled power supplies

ABSTRACT

A method and system for welding with a plurality of welding power supplies connected in parallel. The system includes a first power supply and a second power supply. A reference signal indicative of a welding output of the first power supply is provided to a balancing circuit. The balancing circuit converts the reference signal into a command signal usable by the second power supply. A welding output of the second power supply is responsive to the command signal.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a welding apparatus andmethod. More specifically, it relates to an apparatus and method forparalleling the outputs of a plurality of welding power supplies.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Different welding applications typically require different amounts ofwelding current. Most welding applications can be performedsatisfactorily with welding currents of 1000 amps or less. Some weldingapplications, however, require welding currents in excess of 1000 amps.Certain submerged arc welding and electric slag welding applications,for example, require welding currents as high as 2000 to 3000 amps.

Welding power supply manufacturers generally manufacture power supplieshaving different welding current output capacities for use in connectionwith the various welding applications. These manufacturers provide manydifferent off-the-shelf welding power supplies to handle weldingapplications requiring 1000 amps or less. This is because the vastmajority of welding applications require current falling within thisrange and there is a demand for machines of this size.

On the other hand, the number of welding applications that requirecurrents in excess of 1000 amps is much smaller. The availability ofoff-the-shelf power supplies for these applications is much morelimited. Manufacturers are less willing to manufacture machines forwhich overall demand is low. An alternative to the limited selection ofoff-the-shelf power supplies capable of supplying in excess of 1000 ampsis therefore desirable.

Finding an off-the-shelf power supply capable of welding at very highcurrents (e.g. 2000 amps and above) is even more difficult, if notimpossible. Often times, the only solution is to have a machine custombuilt for the particular application at hand. This of course can be veryexpensive. It is also desirable, therefore, to have an alternativesolution for welding applications requiring currents of 2000 amps andabove.

As previously mentioned, different welding jobs require differentamounts of welding current. A single company may be involved with alarge number of these different welding applications. If the companygenerally only performs welding applications requiring low weldingcurrents, it may only own lower current capacity machines.

Occasionally, the company may have the need to perform a weldingapplication requiring a welding current that exceeds the capacity of itsexisting machines. The cost of purchasing a new power supply to handlethe current demands of the higher current application may not bewarranted. In this situation, it is desirable to leverage the lowercurrent capacity machines owned by the company to provide the currentfor the higher current application.

One way that this is done is to connect the outputs of the lower currentcapacity machines in parallel with each other. Each of the connectedmachines provides a portion of the needed current for the application.This is one way to get higher current from several lower currentcapacity machines.

Prior art welding systems of this type use paralleled machines alloperating in the same mode, either in the constant voltage mode or theconstant current mode. Constant current (CC) mode, as used herein, meansthat the welding current output of the power supply is regulated orcontrolled to be substantially equal to a set value. Constant voltage(CV) mode, as used herein, means that the welding voltage output of thepower supply is regulated or controlled to be substantially equal to aset value.

The output voltage of each constant current machine in a constantcurrent system is typically unregulated and floats. This allows thewelding load voltage to vary without adversely affecting the performanceof the individual paralleled power supplies.

The output voltage of each individual constant voltage machine in aconstant voltage system, however, is regulated. This can cause problemsbecause the output voltages of the paralleled machines are connected inparallel across the welding load. Each machine, therefore, attempts toregulate the load voltage and maintain it at its own set level. If theset levels for each machine are different, even slightly different, themachines will fight with each other to regulate the load voltage. Duringthis struggle, one machine typically ends up providing most or all ofthe load current and the other machine effectively shuts down.

One such prior art constant voltage welding system uses a remote commandsignal. The command signal is an adjustable zero to 10 volt DC signal.This prior art command signal is independent of, and not related to, thewelding output of any of the paralleled power supplies. The same commandsignal is supplied to each of the power supplies. The output voltage ofeach machine is responsive to the command signal and in theory, eachmachine regulates its welding voltage to the same set value.

The problem with this prior art method is that each machine has its owninternal component tolerances and gain function. The set voltage foreach machine differs slightly as a result. One machine may be set to awelding voltage output of 30 volts by the command signal and anotherpower supply may be set to 29.5 volts by the same command signal. Thepower supply set to 29.5 volts will attempt to reduce the welding loadvoltage while the power supply set to 30 volts will attempt to increaseit. This inevitably results in the first machine shutting down and thesecond machine taking the entire load.

A constant voltage welding system using paralleled machines wherein themachines do not struggle with each other to regulate the load voltage istherefore desirable.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the invention, an apparatus forparalleling a plurality of welding power supply outputs includes aninput stage, an output stage and a balancing circuit. The input stage isconfigured to receive a reference signal indicative of a welding outputof a first power supply. The output stage is configured to deliver acommand signal usable by a second power supply having a welding outputresponsive to the command signal. The balancing circuit is connected toreceive the reference signal from the input stage and to provide thecommand signal to the output stage as a function of the referencesignal.

The reference signal is indicative of the welding current of the firstpower supply in one alternative and the welding output of the secondpower supply is a welding current responsive to the command signal inanother alternative.

In one alternative, the apparatus is configured to provide a contactorcontrol signal to the second power supply in response to the firstwelding power supply switching on. The apparatus is configured toprovide a contactor control signal to the second power supply inresponse to the flow of welding current from the first power supply inanother alternative embodiment.

According to a second aspect of the invention, an apparatus forparalleling the outputs of a plurality of welding power suppliesincludes a balancing circuit configured to electrically communicate witha first power supply and a second power supply. The balancing circuitreceives a reference signal indicative of a welding output of the firstpower supply and delivers a command signal usable by the second powersupply having a welding output responsive to the command signal. Thecommand signal is a function of the reference signal.

The welding output of the first power supply is a welding current andthe reference signal is indicative of the welding current of the firstpower supply in one alternative. The welding output of the second powersupply is a welding current responsive to the command signal in yetanother alternative.

According to a third aspect of the invention, an apparatus forparalleling the outputs of a plurality of welding power suppliesincludes a balancing circuit configured to provide a command signal. Thecommand signal is usable by a second power supply having a weldingoutput responsive to the command signal. The command signal is afunction of the welding output of a first power supply.

The welding output of the first power supply is a welding current andthe command signal is a function of the welding current in onealternative and the welding output of the second power supply is awelding current responsive to the command signal in another alternative.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention, a method of parallelingthe outputs of a plurality of welding power supplies includes receivinga reference signal and providing a command signal. The reference signalis indicative of a welding output of a first power supply. The commandsignal is usable by a second power supply having a welding outputresponsive to the command signal. The command signal is a function ofthe reference signal.

The welding output of the first power supply is a welding current andthe reference signal is indicative of the welding current in onealternative embodiment. The welding output of the second power supply isa welding current responsive to the command signal in anotheralternative.

According to a fifth aspect of the invention, a method of parallelingthe outputs of a plurality of welding power supplies includes providinga command signal. The command signal is a function of the welding outputof a first power supply and is usable by a second power supply. Thesecond power supply has a welding output responsive to the commandsignal.

According to a sixth aspect of the invention, a welding system includesa first power supply, a second power supply and a balancing circuit. Thefirst power supply has a first welding output. The second power supplyhas a second welding output connected in parallel with the first weldingoutput. The second welding output is responsive to a command signal. Thebalancing circuit is in electrical communication with the first powersupply and the second power supply and receives a reference signalindicative of the first welding output. The balancing circuit providesthe command signal to the second power supply as a function of thereference signal.

The first welding output is a first welding current and the referencesignal is indicative of the first welding current in one alternative.The second welding output is a second welding current responsive to thecommand signal in a second alternative.

The welding system is configured to provide a contactor control signalto the second power supply in response to the flow of welding currentfrom the first power supply in one alternative. In another alternative,the welding system is configured to provide a contactor control signalto the second power supply in response to the first power supplyswitching on.

The first power supply is operated in a constant voltage mode and thesecond power supply is operated in a constant current mode in onealternative. In an alternative embodiment, the first power supply andthe second power supply have different maximum rated welding currentcapacities. The first power supply and the second power supply are inthermal balance with each other during normal operation in yet anotheralternative embodiment.

According to a seventh aspect of the invention, a welding systemincludes a first power supply and a second power supply. The first powersupply has a first welding output. The second power supply has a secondwelding output connected in parallel with the first welding output. Thesecond welding output is a function of the first welding output.

The first and second welding outputs are welding currents in onealternative. The first power supply operates in a constant voltage modeand the second power supply operates in a constant current mode inanother alternative.

According to an eighth aspect of the invention, a welding system fordelivering a welding current to a load includes a first power supply anda second power supply. The first and second power supplies have weldingoutputs connected in parallel across the load. The first power supplyoperates in a constant voltage mode The second power supply operates ina constant current mode. Both power supplies deliver a portion of thewelding current to the load.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of a welding system using two inverter typepower supplies connected in parallel in accordance with the presentinvention;

FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of a welding system using two phase controltype power supplies connected in parallel in accordance with the presentinvention;

FIG. 3 shows a block diagram of a second welding system using two phasecontrol type power supplies connected in parallel in accordance with thepresent invention; and

FIG. 4 shows a block diagram of a welding system using three phasecontrol type power supplies connected in parallel in accordance with thepresent invention.

Before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail itis to be understood that the invention is not limited in its applicationto the details of construction and the arrangement of the components setforth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. Theinvention is capable of other embodiments or of being practiced orcarried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that thephraseology and terminology employed herein is for the purpose ofdescription and should not be regarded as limiting. Like referencenumerals are used to indicate like components.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

While the present invention will be illustrated with reference toparticular welding systems, components and power supplies, the inventionis not limited to these particular systems, components or power suppliesand other welding systems, components and power supplies can be used.Similarly, while the present invention will be illustrated withreference to a welding environment, it should be understood at theoutset that the invention can also be used in other environments,including plasma cutting or other high power applications.

Generally, the present invention involves a system and method of weldingusing a plurality of power supplies. The power supplies are connected inparallel with each other across a welding load. Each of the paralleledpower supplies provides a portion of the overall welding current to thewelding load. The welding system operates as a constant voltage weldingsystem in the preferred embodiment. In an alternative embodiment, thewelding system operates as a constant current welding system.

One of the paralleled power supplies acts as a “master” machine. Theother paralleled power supplies act as “slave” machines. A weldingoutput (e.g. welding current or welding voltage) of each slave machineis a function of a welding output of the master machine in the presentinvention. Master machine or master power supply, as used herein, meansa welding power supply that provides a signal indicative of its weldingoutput to other welding power supplies connected in parallel with themaster machine. Slave machine or slave power supply, as used herein,means a welding power supply which responds to a remote command signalthat is a function of the output of another power supply connected inparallel with the slave machine.

The master machine provides a reference signal indicative of a weldingoutput of the master machine. Reference signal, as used herein, meansany signal that is indicative of, or a function of, a welding output ofa power supply regardless of whether or not the signal is used toprovide feedback to the power supply and regardless of whether or notthe signal is provided by the power supply. The reference signal isindicative of the welding current provided by the master machine in thepreferred embodiment. In an alternative embodiment, the reference signalis indicative of the welding voltage of the master machine.

A remote command signal controls the welding output level of each of theslave machines. Remote command signal or command signal, as used herein,means any signal to which a welding output of a power supply isresponsive. A remote command signal can be provided either external orinternal to the power supply. The command signal controls the level ofthe welding output current provided by each slave machine in thepreferred embodiment. In an alternative embodiment, the command signalcontrols the level of the welding voltage output of the slave machines.

The preferred embodiment of the present invention is a constant voltagecurrent following welding system. This means that the load voltage isregulated and the welding output current of the slave machines is afunction of (e.g. follows) the welding current of the master machine.

The master machine is operated in a constant voltage mode in thisembodiment. Its role is to regulate the load voltage and provide currentto the load. The reference signal from the master machine is indicativeof the master machine's welding output current. The reference signal isprovided to a balancing device for processing. The balancing devicereceives the reference signal from the master machine and converts itinto a command signal usable by the slave machines. The command signalis a function of the reference signal in the preferred embodiment.

The slave machines are operated in a constant current mode in thepreferred embodiment. The welding current output of each slave machineis responsive to the command signal (e.g. each slave machine follows thewelding current output of the master machine). The welding outputvoltages of each slave machine floats with the regulated load voltage.This is because the welding output voltage of each slave machine isunregulated in the constant current mode. The role of slave machines isto provide current to the welding load in this embodiment.

Both the master machine and the slave machines are operated in aconstant current mode in an alternative embodiment. This embodiment is aconstant current current follower. In a constant current, currentfollowing system, the current from each power supply is regulated (andthus so is the load current) and the welding current of the slavemachines follows the welding current of the master machine. Thereference signal from the master machine is indicative of its weldingcurrent. The welding output current from each slave machine isresponsive to the command signal.

In another alternative embodiment, both the master machine and the slavemachines are operated in a constant voltage mode. This embodiment is aconstant voltage voltage follower. In a constant voltage voltagefollowing system, the load voltage is regulated and the welding voltageof the slave machines follows the welding voltage of the master machine.The reference signal from the master machine is indicative of weldingvoltage output from the master machine and the welding voltage of theslave machines is responsive to the command signal.

FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of the present invention. A weldingsystem 100 includes a first power supply 101 having a welding output104, a second power supply 102 having a welding output 105, and abalancing device 107 electrically connected between power supplies 101and 102. Welding outputs 104 and 105 are connected in parallel across awelding load 108.

Welding system 100 operates as a constant voltage, current followingwelding system in this embodiment. Power supply 101 operates in aconstant voltage mode and is the master machine. Power supply 101provides a reference signal 109 (V_(R)) to balancing device 107.Reference signal 109 is indicative of the welding current output ofpower supply 101. In an alternative embodiment, reference signal 109 isindicative of the welding output voltage of power supply 101.

The value of reference signal 109 equals one volt for every 100 amps ofwelding current output from power supply 101. Power supply 101 has amaximum rated welding current capacity of approximately 565 amps at a60% duty cycle (or 450 amps at a 100% duty cycle) in this embodiment.Reference signal 109, therefore, covers a range of values fromapproximately zero to 5.65 volts.

Power supply 102 operates in a constant current mode and is a slavemachine. Power supply 102 is configured to receive an external commandsignal 110 (V_(C)) from balancing device 107. Command signal 110controls the level of the welding current output from power supply 102in this embodiment. In an alternative embodiment, command signal 110controls the welding output voltage of power supply 102.

The welding output current of power supply 102 is responsive to acommand signal having a value between zero and 10 volts in thisembodiment. As the value of the command signal increases from zero to 10volts, the welding current output of power supply 102 increases from itsminimum current output (approximately 20-50 amps) to its maximum ratedcurrent output of 565 amps at a 60% duty cycle (or 450 amps at a 100%duty cycle).

Generally, thermal balance between the master power supply and the slavepower supplies is desirable. This helps insure that the operatingstresses on each machine will be similar. Power supplies are thermallybalanced when they are each providing substantially the same amount ofwelding load current relative to their maximum rated welding currentcapacity. Maximum rated welding current capacity, as used herein, meansthe welding output current assigned by the manufacturer for a specifiedoperating condition such as a specified duty cycle (for example, see theInternational Electrotechnical Commission standard 60974-1, second ed.1998-99; Article 3.21 entitled Arc Welding Equipment-Part 1: WeldingPower Sources).

One way to achieve thermal balance is to make the reference signal(which is indicative of the welding current from power supply 101) andthe command signal (which controls the welding current of power supply102) cover the same range of values. Reference signal 109 ranges invalue from 0 to 5.65 volts. This is less than the full range of valuesfor command signal 110. It is desirable therefore to scale referencesignal 109 upwards in this embodiment. This scaling is provided bybalancing device 107. In an alternative embodiment, the range of valuesfor the reference signal and the command signal are the same orsubstantially the same.

Balancing device 107 includes an input port (also referred to as aninput stage) 111, an output port (also referred to as an output stage)112 and a balancing circuit 113. In this embodiment, input stage 111 andoutput stage 112 are merely connectors and cables configured tocommunicate with power supplies 101 and 102. In alternative embodiments,however, these stages also include circuitry such as buffer amplifiers,pre-processing circuitry and post processing circuitry.

Input port 111 is configured to receive reference signal 109 from powersupply 101. Reference signal 109 is processed (scaled) by balancingcircuit 113 into command signal 110 which is usable by power supply 102.Output port 112 is configured to provide command signal 110 to powersupply 102.

Balancing circuit 113 in this embodiment is a non-inverting amplifiercomprising an op-amp A1, a first resistor R1 and a feedback resistor R2.Resistor R1 has a value of 1500 ohms in this embodiment and resistor R2has a value of 1000 ohms. The overall operation of amplifier circuit 113is well known by those skilled in the art and no detailed description ofits operation is required here.

The gain of amplifier circuit 113 is equal to 1+R2/R1 which in thisembodiment is approximately 1.667. A signal input to balancing device107 ranging in value from 0 to 5.65 volts results in an output signalfrom balancing device 107 ranging in value from 0 to 9.4 volts(approximately the full range of values covered by command signal 110).The desired scaling is therefore achieved.

The overall operation of welding system 100 will now be described. Powersupply 101 is turned on (e.g. a welding voltage is turned on at weldingoutput 104) by applying a 24 volt AC contactor control signal to pin 115in this embodiment. Contactor control signal, as used herein, means anysignal, AC or DC, that is used to turn on the welding voltage of a powersupply. Power supply 102 is similarly turned on by applying a 24 volt ACcontactor control signal to pin 116. Pins 115, 116 are connectedtogether in this embodiment. The contactor control signal is providedfrom pin 117 on master power supply 101. This control signal is appliedto pins 115, 116 simultaneously by closing a switch 119. Switch 119 istypically the trigger switch of a welding torch or the on/off switch ofa submerged arc welding system.

In an alternative embodiment, the contactor control signal from pin 117of power supply 101 is provided to power supply 102 through balancingdevice 107. The contactor control signal is provided to power supply 102by balancing circuit 107 in another alternative embodiment.

An open circuit welding voltage from each power supply is applied acrosswelding load 108 once the power supplies are turned on. Power supplies101, 102 are inverter type power supplies in this embodiment, such asthe Invision™ 456P manufactured by Miller Electric Mfg. Co., Appleton,Wis. The open circuit voltage for this type of power supply isapproximately the same regardless of whether the supply is operating ina constant voltage mode or a constant current mode. Therefore, startingis not adversely affected from having the outputs connected in paralleland each power supply can be turned on at approximately the same time.

As soon as an arc is established, weld current begins to flow to weldload 108 from power supply 101. Reference signal 109, which isindicative of the welding current from power supply 101, is provided tobalancing device 107 and is converted into command signal 110. Commandsignal 110 is then provided to power supply 102.

The welding current output of power supply 102 quickly responds tocommand signal 110 and power supply 102 begins providing additionalcurrent to welding load 108. The welding current from power supply 101decreases as a result. Within a short period of time, the system reachesequilibrium with each machine providing approximately the same amount ofwelding current to the load relative to its maximum rated weldingcurrent capacity.

Welding system 100 is a constant current current following system in analternative embodiment of the present invention. Master machine 101operates in a constant current mode and includes a feedback signal thatis used to regulate the welding current. The feedback signal is alsoused as the reference signal 109 in this embodiment.

Many off-the-shelf power supplies have a feedback signal for use inregulating a welding output (welding current or welding voltage) of thepower supply. Feedback signal, as used herein, means a signal that isused to regulate a welding output of a power supply. These feedbacksignals are often provided as a separate output to be used formonitoring a welding output. When available, these feedback signals canalso be used as the reference signal.

FIG. 2 shows a second embodiment of the present invention. A weldingsystem 200 includes a first power supply 201 having a welding output204, a second power supply 202 having a welding output 205, and abalancing device 207 electrically connected between power supplies 201and 202. Welding outputs 204 and 205 are connected in parallel across awelding load 208.

Welding system 200 is similar to welding system 100 of FIG. 1 andtherefore will not be described in great detail. The key differencesbetween welding system 200 and welding system 100 relate to the type andsize of power supplies used. Power supplies 201 and 202 are phasecontrol type power supplies as compared to the inverter type powersupplies used in the embodiment of FIG. 1. One such power supply is theDimension™ 652 also manufactured by Miller Electric Mfg. Co. The powersupplies in this embodiment have a maximum rated current capacity ofapproximately 812 amps at a 60% duty cycle (or 650 amps at a 100% dutycycle).

The welding current from power supply 202 is responsive to a commandsignal that ranges from 0 to 10 volts. Reference signal 209 has a valueequal to 1 volt for every 100 amps of welding output current from powersupply 201, or, in other words, a value from zero to 8.1 volts. Toinsure thermal balance between power supplies, the reference signalrange must be scaled upward in this embodiment also.

Balancing device 207 includes a balancing circuit 213 having an op-ampA2, a first 1000 ohm resistor R3 and a 221 ohm feedback resistor R4. Thegain of amplifier circuit 213 is 1.221 in this embodiment. When appliedto reference signal 209 (having a range of values from zero to 8.10volts), the resulting range of values for command signal 210 is zero to9.9 volts.

The other difference between welding system 100 and welding system 200relates to how each power supply is turned on. It is desirable to delaythe start of the slave power supplies in this embodiment until afterwelding current begins flowing from the master power supply. This isbecause the open circuit voltage of these power supplies is differentwhen they are operating in the constant voltage mode as compared to theconstant current mode.

Power supply 201 is operating in the constant voltage mode in thisembodiment and has an open circuit output voltage on the order of 30volts. Power supply 202, on the other hand, is operating in a constantcurrent mode and has an open circuit output voltage on the order of 80volts. When both power supplies are started at the same time, powersupply 201, which regulates the load voltage, sees the higher voltage ofpower supply 202. Power supply 201 will immediately try to lower thatvoltage. This results in power supply 201 effectively shutting downwhich interferes with the starting of welding system 200.

To prevent this from occurring, it is desirable to delay the start ofpower supply 202 until after current begins to flow from power supply201. A current sensing relay 220 is placed in series with the currentoutput of power supply 201 to provide the desired delay. Relay 220contains a pair of normally open contacts 221 which are placed betweenpins 216 and 218 of power supply 201.

The starting sequence for welding system 200 is as follows. Switch 219(e.g trigger switch of a welding gun) is first closed which turns on thevoltage to welding output 204 of master machine 201. Once the arc isestablished, current begins to flow from power supply 201. Relay 220senses the current flow and closes contacts 221. Closing contacts 221allows the 24 volt AC contactor control signal available at pin 218 tobe applied to pin 216 and power supply 202 turns on. In an alternativeembodiment, the 24 volt AC contactor control signal is provided to powersupply 102 directly from balancing circuit 207. From this point, weldingsystem 200 operates in a similar manner to welding system 100.

Although the delay is provided using a relay in this embodiment, thepresent invention is not limited to this type of delay device. Anydevice (analog or digital) that delays the start of the slave powersupplies until after current begins to flow from the master power supplycan be used. Likewise, although delay devices are shown in use withphase control type power supplies in this embodiment, they can also beused with the inverter type power supplies of welding system 100.

FIG. 3 shows a third embodiment of the present invention. A weldingsystem 300 includes a first power supply 301 having a welding output304, a second power supply 302 having a welding output 305, and abalancing device 307 electrically connected between power supplies 301and 302. Welding outputs 304 and 305 are connected in parallel across awelding load 308. Welding system 300 and welding system 200 operatesimilarly and therefore only the differences between the systems will bedescribed in detail.

Slave power supply 302 produces a welding current that is responsive toa command signal ranging in value from 0 to 10 volts. Power supplies301, 302 are phase control type power supplies having a maximum weldingoutput current of 1250 amps at a 60% duty cycle (or 1000 amps at a 100%duty cycle) in this embodiment. The range of values for reference signal302 is therefore zero to 12.5 volts (assuming 1 volt for every 100 ampsof output current). The upper end of this range exceeds the 10 voltlimit for command signal 311.

As previously mentioned , it is desirable to have both master powersupply 301 and slave power supply 302 operate at the same current outputlevels relative to there maximum rated current capacities. To accomplishthis, reference signal 309 must be scaled downward in this embodimentrather than upward. This downward scaling is provided by balancingdevice 307.

Balancing device 307 includes an attenuator circuit 313 comprising a 274ohm input resistor R5 and a 1000 ohm second resistor R6. The operationof attenuator circuit 313 is well known by those skilled in the art andno detailed description of its operation is required. The attenuation ofcircuit 313 is equal to R4/(R3+R4) which in this embodiment isapproximately 0.785. Thus, a signal input to attenuator circuit 313ranging in value from 0 to 12.5 volts will result in a command signal310 ranging in value from 0 to 9.81 volts (which is roughly equivalentto the range for the remote command input of power supply 302).

The previous embodiments of the present invention have all included onlytwo paralleled power supplies. The present invention, however, includessystems having more than two power supplies. For example, otherembodiments of the present invention contain three, four and five powersupplies connected in parallel. The present invention is also notlimited to paralleled power supplies having all the same maximum ratedcurrent capacities. In an alternative embodiment, power supplies havingdifferent maximum rated current capacities are connected in parallel.

FIG. 4 shows a fourth embodiment of the present invention having morethan two power supplies. Each of the power supplies in this embodimenthas a different maximum rated current capacity. Welding system 400includes a first power supply 401 having a welding output 404, a secondpower supply 402 having a welding output 405, a third power supply 403having a welding output 406 and a balancing device 407 electricallyconnecting power supply 401 with power supplies 402, 403. Weldingoutputs 404, 405 and 406 are all connected in parallel across a weldingload 408.

Power supply 401 operates in the constant voltage mode in thisembodiment and acts as the master machine. In an alternative embodiment,master machine 401 operates in a constant current mode. The maximumrated output current of power supply 401 is 810 amps at a 60% duty cycle(or 650 amps at a 100% duty cycle). Power supplies 402, 403 operate inthe constant current mode in this embodiment and are slave machines topower supply 401. The maximum rated output current of power supply 402is 565 amps at a 60% duty cycle (or 450 amps at a 100% duty cycle) inthis embodiment. The maximum rated output current of power supply 403 is375 amps at a 60% duty cycle (or 300 amps at a 100% duty cycle).

The overall operation of welding system 400 is similar to the operationof welding system 200. The main difference between the two weldingsystems is that welding system 400 has a plurality of power suppliesoperating as slave machines and the usable command signal provided frombalancing device 407 is provided to both slave power supplies 402, 403simultaneously. In this manner, all three power supplies contribute tothe total load welding current and all three power supplies are operatedat the same current output capacity relative to there maximum ratedcurrent capacities (e.g. they are all in thermally balance).

Welding system 400 uses two current sensing relays 420, 424 to delay thestart of slave machines 402, 403. Relays 420, 424 sense the weldingcurrent flowing from power supply 401. In an alternative embodiment, asingle relay is used to delay the start of slave power supplies 402,403.

Welding system 400 is also shown using one balancing circuit tocommunicate with two slave machines. In alternative embodiments, aplurality of balancing devices are used, each one communicating with oneor more slave machines.

The previous embodiments of the present invention included a balancingdevice having an amplifier and an attenuator as the balancing circuit.The present invention is not limited to these types of balancingcircuits or devices and other types of balancing circuits and balancingdevices can be used. Likewise, the present invention is not limited toamplification, attenuation or scaling and other types of processing canbe used. Balancing device or circuit, as used herein, means any deviceor circuit, both analog and digital, that converts, processes or scalesa reference signal into a command signal usable by other power supplies.Similarly, the previous embodiments of the present invention have allused a balancing device that is external to the power supplies. Inalternative embodiments, the balancing device is internal to the powersupplies and is in the master power supply in one embodiment and is inthe slave machines in alternative embodiments.

Numerous modifications may be made to the present invention which stillfall within the intended scope hereof. Thus, it should be apparent thatthere has been provided in accordance with the present invention amethod and apparatus for welding with a plurality of power suppliesconnected in parallel that fully satisfies the objectives and advantagesset forth above. Although the invention has been described inconjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that manyalternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to thoseskilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace allsuch-alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within thespirit and broad scope of the appended claims.

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property orprivilege is claimed are defined as follows:
 1. An apparatus forparalleling a plurality of welding power supply outputs comprising: aninput stage configured to receive a reference signal indicative of awelding output of a first power supply; an output stage configured todeliver a command signal usable by a second power supply having awelding output responsive to the command signal; and a balancing circuitconnected to receive the reference signal from the input stage and toprovide the command signal to the output stage wherein the commandsignal is a function of the reference signal; wherein the apparatus isfurther configured to provide a contactor control signal to the secondpower supply in response to the first welding power supply switching on.2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the welding output of the firstpower supply is a welding current and the reference signal is indicativeof the welding current of the first power supply.
 3. The apparatus ofclaim 2 wherein the welding output of the second power supply is awelding current responsive to the command signal.
 4. An apparatus forparalleling a plurality of welding power supply outputs comprising: aninput stage configured to receive a reference signal indicative of awelding output of a first power supply; an output stage configured todeliver a command signal usable by a second power supply having awelding output responsive to the command signal; and a balancing circuitconnected to receive the reference signal from the input stage and toprovide the command signal to the output stage wherein the commandsignal is a function of the reference signal; wherein the apparatus isfurther configured to provide a contactor control signal to the secondpower supply in response to the flow of welding current from the firstpower supply.
 5. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein the welding output ofthe first power supply is a welding current and the reference signal isindicative of the welding current of the first power supply.
 6. Theapparatus of claim 5 wherein the welding output of the second powersupply is a welding current responsive to the command signal.
 7. Awelding system comprising: a first power supply having a first weldingoutput, wherein the first welding output is a first welding current; asecond power supply having a second welding output connected in parallelwith the first welding output wherein the second welding output isresponsive to a command signal; and a balancing circuit in electricalcommunication with the first power supply and the second power supplywherein the balancing circuit receives a reference signal indicative ofthe first welding output and provides the command signal to the secondpower supply as a function of the reference signal; wherein the weldingsystem is configured to provide a contactor control signal to the secondpower supply in response to the flow of welding current from the firstpower supply.
 8. The welding system of claim 7 wherein the first weldingoutput is a first welding current and the reference signal is indicativeof the first welding current.
 9. The welding system of claim 8 whereinthe second welding output is a second welding current responsive to thecommand signal.
 10. The welding system of claim 7 wherein the firstpower supply is operated in a constant voltage mode and the second powersupply is operated in a constant current mode.
 11. The welding system ofclaim 7 wherein the first power supply has a first maximum rated weldingcurrent capacity and the second power supply has a second maximum ratedwelding current capacity different from the first maximum rated weldingcurrent capacity.
 12. A welding system comprising: a first power supplyhaving a first welding output; a second power supply having a secondwelding output connected in parallel with the first welding outputwherein the second welding output is responsive to a command signal; anda balancing circuit in electrical communication with the first powersupply and the second power supply wherein the balancing circuitreceives a reference signal indicative of the first welding output andprovides the command signal to the second power supply as a function ofthe reference signal; wherein the welding system is further configuredto provide a contactor control signal to the second power supply inresponse to the first power supply switching on.
 13. The welding systemof claim 12 wherein the first welding output is a first welding currentand the reference signal is indicative of the first welding current. 14.The welding system of claim 13 wherein the second welding output is asecond welding current responsive to the command signal.
 15. A weldingsystem comprising: a first power supply having a first welding output; asecond power supply having a second welding output connected in parallelwith the first welding output wherein the second welding output isresponsive to a command signal; and a balancing circuit in electricalcommunication with the first power supply and the second power supplywherein the balancing circuit receives a reference signal indicative ofthe first welding output and provides the command signal to the secondpower supply as a function of the reference signal, wherein both thefirst power supply and the second power supply are in thermal balancewith each other dung normal operation.
 16. A welding system comprising:a first power supply having a first welding output; a second powersupply having a second welding output connected in parallel with thefirst welding output wherein the second welding output is a function ofthe first welding output, wherein the first power supply operates in aconstant voltage mode and the second power supply operates in a constantcurrent mode.
 17. The welding system of claim 16 wherein the firstwelding output is a welding current and the second welding output is awelding current.
 18. A welding system comprising: a first power supplyhaving a first welding output; a second power supply having a secondwelding output connected in parallel with the first welding output,wherein the second welding output is responsive to a second signal; anda circuit in electrical communication with the first power supply andthe second power supply, wherein the circuit receives a first signal asa function of the first welding output and provides the second signal tothe second power supply as a function of the first signal, wherein boththe first power supply and the second power supply are in thermalbalance with each other during normal operation.
 19. The welding systemof client 18 wherein the first welding output is a first welding currentand the first signal is a function of the first welding current.
 20. Thewelding system of claim 19 wherein the second welding output is a secondwelding current responsive to the second signal.
 21. The welding systemof claim 18 wherein the first power supply is operated in a constantvoltage mode and the second power supply is operated in a constantcurrent mode.
 22. The welding system of claim 18 wherein the first powersupply has a first maximum rated welding current capacity and the secondpower supply has a second maximum rated welding current capacitydifferent from the first maximum rated welding current capacity.
 23. Awelding system for delivering a welding current to a load comprising: afirst power supply having a welding output connected across the load andoperating in a constant voltage mode, wherein the first power supplydelivers a portion of the welding current to the load, and furtherwherein the first power supply has a first maximum rated welding currentcapacity; and a second power supply having a welding output connectedacross the load in parallel with the welding output of the first powersupply and operating in a constant current mode, wherein the secondpower supply delivers a portion of the welding current to the load, andfurther wherein the second power supply has a second maximum ratedwelding current capacity, wherein the first and second power supplieseach have a maximum rated welding current capacity, and further whereinthe first and second power supplies each provide substantially the sameamount of welding current to the load relative to their maximum ratedwelding current capacities.